Where the Road Takes Her

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Airleas
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Joined: Sun Jul 05, 2015 10:48 pm

Where the Road Takes Her

Post by Airleas »

At the age of 115, the urge to leave the homelands hit Airleas surprisingly hard. Her request to make the journey was not unusual. It may have even been expected by her family. The need to explore and discover on one’s own was a desire felt by many an elf in their youth. Though it did not touch everyone. Airleas’ mother never made the journey but her father and elder brother had. Most returned to the homelands eventually. She had pressed both her father and brother for information about their journeys, but both shared very little--mainly highlighting a few places they went but not saying much about their experiences. Her father, in particular, stressed that the experiences were unique to the individual. “There will be lessons along the way just for you, Airleas, that the gods have chosen for you to shape and guide you.”

Her family, like most Elven families, worshiped the five old gods. Their alignment with the earth made it easy to commune with them. There were some ceremonies but as it was their belief that the gods and the elements were one, worship was done on a more subtle level as they interacted with life around them. Gratitude and servitude were woven together and once an elf reached majority, the idea that he or she was a guardian of nature was firmly set. Airleas, and her family believed Navro’anai could only help with that.

On the day she finally chose to leave, her father took her aside. “You will meet other creatures and races on your journey. Most will be kind natured, but be on your guard. Not all look at life as we do, daughter.” He paused and handed her a pack. “Your mother packed this for you. It has some food and supplies. You will need to quickly put your skills to the test in finding food and shelter.” He could see the question in her lavender eyes. “Your magic will not work once you leave the homelands. It is why some decide not to make the journey. Much of what comes easily to you now, will be difficult out there. You will need to toil to make your way.” Her face faltered and he smiled gently. “I have faith in you, Airleas. We must not fear that we do not understand. I know you will rise to the challenge.”

Despite her father’s encouraging words, she wondered if she was making a wise choice. Many who left were gone for years. There was no guarantee she would return. Tears did not come though. Her father was right and this was simply her uneasiness with change and the unknown. She would face this and be refined by the gods. Once her mind turned in that direction, leaving was a bit easier.

After bidding friends and family goodbye, she began to walk down the path towards Sléibhte Mór, the mountains that separated the Elven homelands from Illarion. Here, traveling the path was safe, but she had been warned to keep to the forests and shadows once inside Illarion. Traveling the road could be dangerous, especially since she was unarmed.

The mountain passage was not easy, but she found herself blessed daily with finding little bits to eat as well as adequate shelter. Sleeping out of doors was not in the least distressing. In fact, sleeping underneath the canopy of stars was comforting and she usually drifted off with a smile on her lips.

Her steps took her through Galmair and while she met several pleasant individuals, their desires and drives did not align with her own. She was advised that Runewick might be more to her liking. So after another three weeks, stopping a few times to work for food on the way, she found herself within Runewick.

Her initial impression was that it seemed a quiet place she could call home for a while. Only time would tell. She would wait and see what the gods had in store for her.


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    Airleas
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    Re: Where the Road Takes Her

    Post by Airleas »

    The day dawned and Airleas greeted the day with a smile. She always loved the quiet in the early hours of the day as well as the twilight before the night. The sunlight’s gentle fingers slowly moved over the landscape and she sat in her little nook under a tree and watched as nature began her day. Flowers began to ever so slowly unfirl, insects began to fly around, and she started to hear the chatter of some squirrels in the branches above her. Looking up, she spotted them nearby as they appeared to be having a dispute over a rather large acorn.

    The thought of breakfast sent her stomach rumbling. Poking around in her bag revealed one small loaf of bread left. Taking it out, she nibbled at it slowly. It wasn’t terribly fresh anymore but it quelled the hunger pains. Something would need to be done about future meals, and soon. She had intended on exploring the area more fully that day and finding something to eat would definitely be part of that exploration.

    Rising to her feet, she stood tall, though of average height for an Elfess--perhaps even on the petite side. She began to run her fingers through her long raven locks, which almost looked like a deep blue in the sunlight. After getting a few leaves out of her hair, she grabbed her backpack and made her way out of the wooded area towards the larger buildings.

    Airleas did not pass many people, though it was very early. Still, she had the sense that Runewick was not home to very many. That would not hamper her quest for knowledge and having less inhabitants to deal with might be easier overall. As she neared the town center, she was surprised to see vendors already setting up their wares and calling out to her. There was a bit of silver in her sack but she would save it for now. No doubt it would come in handy later.

    The roads through Runewick lead her around and about and she admired buildings she passed as well as fields clearly belonging to farms. The area seemed to have a little bit of everything and she was anxious to find out more. Coming over a bridge, she happened upon a fellow Elfess and a Halfling. The Halfling was busy chopping wood while the Elfess seemed content to simply watch him and speak to him. Airleas was not one to eavesdrop but being so fascinated with finally seeing a Halfling but a few feet away. She had read about them and heard stories, but this was entirely new. Thankfully, he was very busy with his work and did not appear to notice her staring.

    The Elfess was a curiosity too. She did not recognize her, though it was possible she had left the Homelands a long time ago. The thought of introducing herself was there, but she hated to interrupt especially given she had nothing to say, other than perhaps introducing herself.

    The Halfling did greet her, but he moved on to another work area as he did so. This left her convinced he was more interested in working than in talking and she had no wish to bother him. The Elfess did not speak to her and she took that to mean she did not wish to be spoken to, especially since she followed the halfling when he moved away.

    The remainder of the day, Airleas spent back in the wooded areas foraging for berries along with any other edible plants she might find. A late evening swim was a delightful end to the day and she spent a long time in the water relaxing and bathing.

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    Airleas
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    Re: Where the Road Takes Her

    Post by Airleas »

    The following day was more eventful for Airleas. She headed into town early once more and stumbled upon the Halfling very quickly. He was working but alone. He greeted her once more though continued what he was doing. Not wanting to be rude, she greeted him in reply even though she still felt she was distracting him from his work. A brief conversation ensued in which she was informed he went by Tiyron Trill Talltaker. It was an odd name to her but of course, she had never met a Halfling before. She also noted his startling blue eyes. Set against his tanned skin they practically glowed. He added that she could refer to him as “Master Ron”. She wasn’t quite sure about that.

    He, on the other hand, seemed very little concerned about any details about her. After sharing her name, he proceeded to call her “minion”. She attempted to correct him but he wasn’t phased in the slightest. It wasn’t worth an argument, so with a shrug, she accepted the new title.

    From there they discussed how she might be of help to him. Her longer legs could make some chores easier. She was ready to help though hauling buckets of water was harder than she thought it would be. Up until now, her lack of magic hadn’t been quite so noticeable. But, she said nothing about it and kept working.

    Later, Tiyron took her on a tour of the main part of the city. Again, she noted the lack of people milling around, just a few here and there. Was there a reason people didn’t wish to live there? Did something happen? For the moment, she kept silent about that.

    The library in particular caught her interest. They did not go inside, but Tiyron did say that anyone was free to use it. She would be sure to get back to it and look around as soon as she could. The tour continued on to the inn. He mentioned she could rent a bed to sleep in there. Airleas didn’t have a great deal of money and sleeping outside never bothered her, but she inquired if he stayed there. He informed her the lamp people had made a threat against her and he definitely could not sleep at the inn. And with that, he ran off and vanished.


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    Airleas
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    Re: Where the Road Takes Her

    Post by Airleas »

    Airleas’ long white fingers played upon the surface of the water as she sat near the edge of the lake. The small ripples fanned out and made the image on the surface dance about. It was a moonless night, but all the better for beholding the symphony of stars. The way they shimmered and glowed, like jewels thrown across a rich, deep velvet never failed to capture her eyes, but it was their song that always amazed her. Here in Runewick, she had some difficulty in hearing it. But if she quieter her mind and reached out to the heavens, she was able to envelop herself in the ethereal music. It was so unlike anything she had heard on earth, it made it difficult to even describe.

    Being here, among other races, she wondered if others could hear the song of the night. Was it only an Elf gift or did the heavens share their serenade with anyone who would take the time to listen?

    Her thoughts drifted to the Halfling, Tiyron. She smiled to herself, knowing that “Master Ron” would never be uttered by her. She, and many of her people had never been much for nicknames. A name was considered a gift and to be worn proudly. Her own name meant “pledge”. Her father had given it to her while she was still in her mother’s womb. He, along with many of their males, had been called to defend their borderlands against an encroaching darkness. He had made a promise to her mother that he would return--the source of her name. It was in Elven nature to take their word very seriously. Airleas, was no exception, especially given her name.

    The last few days had been surprising. The gods had indeed blessed her and guided her to Runewick. It was quiet, to be sure, but most everyone she met had been welcoming and helpful. Tiyron was nothing, if not industrious. She admired how he always seemed to keep busy with something. Over the past few days he had shown her how to do some farming--sowing and reaping, then grinding the grain into flour and then from there making the dough to make bread. It was an exhausting process and she felt a weariness she had not known back home. Without magic, everything took much more time and effort. She understood her father all too well now when he said she would have to toil.

    It was during her toil with the bread that she met her first human, Dagnoar. He was very quiet at first and she continued to keep busy with getting water for her dough, but she watched him out of the corner of her eye. The stories about men were generally not good ones. They were usually described as a bit backward or warmongers. Up until now, she had no reason to question the tales. But after a while they began to speak and she found him to be very polite and considerate. He even bestowed on her several gifts, buckets as well as more cooking supplies. She thanked him for his generosity and hoped she would see him again. Before traveling to Runewick, she would never had thought such a thing, but she genuinely meant it. A lesson indeed!

    Once she returned to baking bread, she reflected that she would have simply been grateful for all the instruction, Tiyron gave all the bread to her that she baked--told her it was hers. There was so much! She had plenty to save for herself as well as to sell so she could earn some money for other things she needed. She had thanked him, but it didn’t seem enough for what he had done for her--she who was little more than a stranger to him.

    But if that were not enough, she found him the following day busy working on some clothing. He truly was a marvel at all the different things he knew how to do. She had asked if there was anything she could do to help, but he seemed very intent on his work and did not offer a suggestion.

    A male Elf had joined them as they spoke. Neither he, nor she, offered their names and she could feel his reserve as it mirrored her own. She had seen the fellow Elfess shortly after she arrived, but had not spoken to her. This encounter was different. This time, she spoke to him, all the while trying to decide if she knew him. Where from the Homelands had he come? It seemed like he had arrived not too long ago. How long had he been traveling? There was much she wished to ask, but she kept her questions tucked away. Perhaps if they met again she would ask him more.

    Airleas fingered the flowing green fabric that covered her legs as she continued to stare off into the night sky. Tiyron had presented her with not one, but two dresses. They fit her well, like he had measured her, but he had not. They were not ornate, but they were still lovely and she was only too happy to put away her dirty and torn traveling clothes. She had tried them on immediately and while he seemed to take little notice and said nothing about her appearance, she was pleased he had thought of her and guessed she might wish to wear something more feminine. Oddly perceptive at times, he was. And she believed him when he said that they were gifts and to not worry about it. Had it been a member of her family that said this, she would have complied easily, but she barely knew him! There must be something she could do to help or repay him.

    Rising from the ground in one graceful movement, she stretched her lithe limbs towards the sky, then rolled her shoulders a couple times before walking towards her makeshift bed. It wasn’t much, but it served it’s purpose. Sleep came quickly and for the night, she left Runewick behind and danced in the fields of Home.


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    Caynwyn
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    Re: Where the Road Takes Her

    Post by Caynwyn »

    Spending most of her days in the forests around town.. particularly Yewdale as she puttered about not doing much of anything but gathering a little milk, apples and a few herbs, Cay pondered where her plans took her next. Perhaps she should talk to Azuros and see what his were though she suspected the fellow elder druid was just as puzzled as her regarding what they wished to accomplish. Druidry was a way of life for them and nothing either of them were capable of changing yet the need for their gift in this new land was almost non-existent. Most people didn't bother to call a druid for help or healing, not wishing to take the time and there were plenty of medico's and alchemists for the quick heals. The particular gifts a druid could bring weren't needed or wanted very often....a difficult birth, an attempt to reduce a bad scar, working with a mage on major healing, even being consulted regarding difficult relationships with significant other or a marriage. People were either more healthy, didn't have time or the need for the skills of a druid, or possibly simply forgot there were still druids left. Others flew by so fast on their various mysterious missions that Cay barely got a hand up in a wave before seeing their backside yet this land was so wild and dangerous she wondered how they all stayed so healthy having worn out two pair of shoes running from monsters. It would be nice to simply sit and talk to someone occasionally that wasn't in a hurry.. this land moved so much faster then Gobaith, she still wasn't used to it after all this time. Perhaps where they lived now was out of their time... perhaps druids simply weren't needed anymore? Shaking her head Cay began talking to herself...

    Quit being so maudlin! Remember the good times on Gobaith.. the same can happen here!

    Straightening her shoulders, the small woman moves about the area with no specific destination nor goal in mind picking a herb here, gathering apples there, nodding and waving to anyone passing by with a wide smile of welcome.
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    Po Will
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    Re: Where the Road Takes Her

    Post by Po Will »

    Well, bugger, thought Tiyron. The sheep he had been shearing had jumped up, and knocked him hard on the head. When he finally came through, the night was as black as well... the blackest of nights. Odd, considering we had two moons... Question not our world's construction, thought little Ron some more. Since arriving back in Runewick since his travels, attempting to find why his magic was... well. Dead. Well not dead he thought on as he got onto his little legs, dusting himself off and leaning back to crack his little back. The monsters and ghouls, ghosts and ragwoodle foolish skeletons and the likes. Why on Illarion were they so empowered whilst the creations of the gods themselves had been struck down to petty little people who spoke a funny tongue? More so he thought, as he made his back into the city across the bridge, why then were those portal book sellers able to sell their goods?

    How by Elara were they enchanting them, is there going to be a shortage? This thought popped into his mind, realising that almost ten - if not ten exact - years had past since the isle went ka-boom! If there were to be a shortage, we would see by now. No, they were obviously still creating them. Reaching the inn he slumped into a chair within the inn and sighed. All these years, and there was still no answer. It felt rather unnatural, the moment you feel the power rush through you, chanting the ancient words and seeing wonders blast out of you, to call it magical would be one thing. But it down right to it, the power was a beast at which even the greatest fire tamer would struggle with. The amount of burn marks on his old and frayed leather outfit was a testament to that. Halflings, he thought as he took a ship from a drink brought over, were shunned by the those interested in the arcane arts. He expected a fair bit of racism, Long legs, Long ears and the likes always underestimated them, spoke down to them. So his voice spoke within his head, it's no wonder these stereotypes of Halfling's making bad mages arose.

    Mages were, after all, were very greedy. Not in the traditional sense of the word he thought on, but in the power of knowledge. They'd hide the secrets of the Gods had they the chance, would limit the spread of power. Aye, they may claim in order to protect the wider world, the arts must be hidden. But little Tiyron had seen enough foolish mages on the isle, to see this was but a lie. So deep in thought was he, that when his eyelids slid close, and his mind took him through another dream, he didn't even realise.
    Airleas
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    Re: Where the Road Takes Her

    Post by Airleas »

    More than a week had passed. Airleas could barely believe it, but time always moved more quickly when one was busy and she had most certainly not been idle. They were in the kitchen together, she and Tiyron, each working on their own batch of bread. Her lavender eyes glanced over to him as he bent over another batch of dough and began forming it into loaves. She was busy stirring some batter into dough. They often worked side by side, but in silence. He would always answer her questions or take the time to show her how to do something--sometimes she still wondered why--but there wasn’t much conversation beyond that. Silence wasn’t something that bothered her but she had to admit she missed some of the banter and light-hearted moments she had with her brother. Tiyron wasn’t family but….he was the one she spent the most time with these days.

    “Be back in a minute, minion. Fillin' the buckets!” Tiyron then waddled out, without a backward glance. She shook her head how he never asked for help. So stubborn….but still, she admired him for how hard he worked even though, she had to assume some tasks might be a bit more difficult because of his size.

    Setting her bowl and spoon down, she walked over to his work station. It would be a test to see how observant he was as well as what it would take to irk him. She grinned to herself as she looked at how he had things set up. His peel was ready for him to put some loaves on and stick it in the oven--it appeared he wanted to mix up a little bit more dough to fit a couple more on. Gently, picking up the peel, she moved it down to the opposite end of the bench.

    With a smile smile still on her face, she went back to work on her own bread and started loading her peel just as she heard Tiyron returning.


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    Po Will
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    Re: Where the Road Takes Her

    Post by Po Will »

    " Be back in a minute, minion! Fillin' the buckets " He called over to the Elfess, who was hard at work at her own, smaller batch. He couldn't help but chuckle as he crossed the doorway and flited over to the fountain to fill the buckets. He was, for the moment, very powerless. Unable to do much in terms of self defence, though at the very least, he'd been luck enough to have spent many'a day fishing on on the isle. That at least had taught him the basics in terms cooking and the likes. Woe unto the poor sods, who can barely bake a bread roll, his mind flickered back to the Elfess with another little chuckle. It took a little while to fill all the buckets, but by some miracle, he had managed to fill twelve whole buckets, and once more; carry all of them!? Oh lords, he was surely blessed. That, or Nargun was waiting to trip him up, so more water would fall on the unlucky Halfer.

    But at last, he'd managed to waddle back into the room, back up to the oven, with little leakage of water on his little head. He thought he ought to receive a reward for such a feat! But then, he remembered, what good are rewards? They only bring trouble, or greedy Orcs. Yes, yes. No need for rewards, no award or the likes. Best be left alone from the Humans and the likes in that regard, they turn very Orcess when they garner that Dwarfish tint in their eye, that greed that would have them rob their own mothers for a flick of silver or gold. Best to avoid anything akin to that, he thought away quickly and furiously. If one were to be watching the Halfling at this point, they'd find him standing over the oven, with a very much absent look on his face.

    Though finally at last, he snapped out of his self-indulged think-a-thon, and eyed the his supplies, tools and the likes. His eyes narrowed, as quick an eagle, he spotted the peel had been moved, and quicker still he found it. He looked left, he looked right. He eyed the sky, or in this case, the roof and eyed the ground. He turned around for a moment, then eyed the glaring fire by the cooking pot, had the pesky little helper been at it? Were demons afoot, or was Nargun playing a game... He stood staring for a few minutes in silent thought, then turned back around to work. Nonsense, nonsense he thought to himself, he likely just forgot where he put it easily fixed, easily corrected.

    Setting his little hands to work, mixing the water with the flour, forming the dough and generally making a mess - as a mage to bake you a cake and do not be surprised if it looks like he thought some hellish Demon in the end - as he went about his work quietly, stopping to answer any questions the Elfess may have. After about twenty odd minutes, he was getting rather bored, and fidgety, and his eyes started to dart around.
    Airleas
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    Re: Where the Road Takes Her

    Post by Airleas »

    Tiyron's reaction, while not as good as she had hoped, was still entertaining enough that she was well pleased to have "poked" him a little. A soft chuckle nearly bubbled forth, but she was able to remain silent. Had he looked at her though, her eyes would have given her away. They were always very expressive, even when she would rather they were not. Her father told her that such control took time to master. Time was one thing she was not short of.

    Turning back to her work, she began to form a few more loaves and she and Tiyron each eased into their own quiet rhythm. The work was a bit mindless and it was easy to drift off mentally to somewhere else. This time though, her gaze shifted to the other side of the room and she noticed the halfling seemed to be feeling equally as ready for a change of pace as she.

    She was about to walk over to him, when she spotted her bag of flour. Her lavender eyes shifted from the bag to him and then back to the bag. A small smirk tugged at her lips as she took a handful of flour out of the bag. "Tiyron?" He turned towards her and she didn't hesitate to fling the flour into his face. Her laughter hung on the air and she grinned down at him. "It's a good look for you, I think."

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